Al-Shabaab have regional agenda - UN

Al-Shabaab recruits in Deniile district of the Somalian capital, Mogadishu on March 5, 2012.  Photo | FILE | AFP

By CITIZEN TEAM in Tanzania
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Al-Shabaab militants have the “capability and intent” to spread their attacks beyond their strongholds in Somalia, a UN special representative has warned.

The group “is an organisation that has a regional agenda,” Mr Nick Kay, the UN special representative in Somalia, said at the weekend and called for greater regional cooperation to combat the threat.

The power of the creative economy to unite people, and its impact on employment

In Summary

• Several of Africa’s great artists have died poor, unlike their counterparts in other countries that have exploited this industry to not just create wealth, but also to unite their citizens.
• Here at home, we watch how artists like "Mzee Ojwang" and "Mama Kayai" languish in poverty yet their creativity continues to powerfully entertain and unite us.
• In Africa, we seem to think that wealth is only created when you own capital equipment.

CREATIVE ECONOMY

By Bitange Ndemo
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The power of African creative-economy innovations continues to rock the world, yet many Africans are unaware of its value and how to exploit it. 

I haven’t been watching ‘the beautiful game’ this season, for a good reason

Uruguay fans react during the live broadcasting of the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between Colombia and Uruguay, in Montevideo, on June 28, 2014. PHOTO | MIGUEL ROJO  AFP

In Summary

• I would rather watch a game of tennis; better still, I’d rather watch a movie
• It seems that football’s appeal has even extended to terrorist groups

By Rasna Warah
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I must be one of the few people on this planet who do not enjoy football. I do not support any Premier League team, and I am not among those who are staying up till the wee hours of the morning watching World Cup matches.

It’s not that I hate the game; it’s just that I don’t understand the fanatical fascination people have with it. In my opinion, football, like religion, is the “opium of the masses”. It numbs people into a false sense of security and camaraderie.

Five toxic mistakes that kill entrepreneurs’ dreams

In Summary

• The most toxic mistake that entrepreneurs make — the moment they close a big deal and the money is transferred into their account — is to reward themselves instead of rewarding the business.
• An idea should be good enough to sell itself. Killing another idea based on malice to advance yours is the epitome of Neanderthal reasoning.

By Steve Biko
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While in the second year at Law School in the University of Nairobi, I recall watching the film Hidalgo. It helped me nurture my dream of creating a firm that encompassed law, the stock market and digital media.

Kidero protests Ngilu's levy for new city houses

 

By NATION REPORTER

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has protested a decision by the Lands ministry to impose a 0.5 per cent levy on new constructions in the city.

In a letter addressed to Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu, Governor Kidero said the new regulations were ratified without consultation with county governments.

“This levy affects the housing sector that falls within the jurisdiction of the county governments and it should have been prepared with our participation and concurrence," Kidero said in the letter.

The letter was copied to Senator Abu Chiaba, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Energy, Roads and Transport, and Maina Kamanda, chairperson of the Transport, Public Works and Housing Committee in the House.

The governor noted that the capital city has a serious housing deficit and the new levy will discourage development of affordable housing.

“There are already numerous levies and charges imposed on the housing and construction sectors and this latest move will only serve to discourage investment in the sector," he said.

Governor Kidero now wants the national government to revoke imposition of the new construction levy as contained in the National Construction Authority Act, 2014.

China to re-open Somalia embassy

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Hong Lei during a past press briefing in Beijing on November 30, 2010. AFP PHOTO / FREDERIC J. BROWN / FILE 

By AFP
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BEIJING, Monday

China will re-open its embassy in strife-torn Somalia after a 23-year absence as Beijing extends its diplomatic and resources push into Africa.

Judges, magistrates accuse Uhuru of bias in appointments

President Uhuru Kenyatta addressing journalists at State House on June 25, 2014. PHOTO | EVANS HABIL  

By PAUL OGEMBA
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Judges and magistrates have accused President Uhuru Kenyatta of discrimination in appointing only 11 judges out of a list of 25 recommended by the Judicial Service Commission.

Soaring rents and fuel prices rev up June inflation

There was an increase of 0.70 per cent in the housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels' index in June 2014 mainly due to higher rent and increases in the prices of kerosene, charcoal and electricity. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | FILE  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• There was an increase of 0.70 per cent in the Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels' Index
• The Transport Index increased by 0.35 per cent due to a rise in the cost of public transport and diesel

By Nation Reporter
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The cost of living went up marginally in June following increases in the prices of fuel, housing and water in the period. This is the second month that inflation, which is now at 7.39 per cent compared with last month’s 7.30 per cent, has risen.

Telecoms watchdog to have presence in five counties

Politics and policy

CAK director general Francis Wangusi. Photo/DIANA NGILA  

By Okuttah Mark

In Summary

• The regulator says it has already identified office space in the two counties.

The telecommunication industry regulator is set to establish its first two offices outside Nairobi in Mombasa and Eldoret in August.

Busia set to shed 110 jobs as governor house gets cash

Busia governor Sospeter Ojaamong. Residents have protested a plan to build a Sh50 million house for the governor, saying it is not a priority. JACOB OWITI 

By LINET WAFULA

In Summary

• Last year, the Assembly allocated Sh20 million for the official residence of the governor and Sh5 million has so far been used to buy 10 acres of land in Nambale Sub County.

Busia has failed to factor in the salaries of 110 employees hired irregularly in its Sh5.5 billion budget that will see the county build a new house for the Governor.  

Let millionaires lift poor Kenyans out of poverty

Opinion and Analysis

Waste dumped at Dandora. The rich in Kenya can invest in sanitation projects to help the poor. File 

By Caroline Mugo

In Summary

• Economists have generated historical data showing that extreme inequality is a threat to social, economic and political stability.
• As the number of home-grown super-rich increases and their control of the economy widens, there is an imminent risk of social, political and economic unrest.
• Power has to come with responsibility and the super-rich may not be able to distance themselves from the health and state of the common mwananchi.

Kenya just held the under 35 multi-millionaire economic conference displaying some of the young and brilliant minds who have braved the odds to achieve what has never been seen in this part of the world.

Why sports betting is all the rage this World Cup season

A football fan places his online bet. SALATON NJAU  

By ISABELLA MUKUMU

In Summary

• Betting in sports has been the craze this season and for many avid football fans, the World Cup is one gamble they cannot afford to miss.

Football fanatic Isabel Sherrie Naire got the most pleasant surprise of her life so far after she bagged a Sh1 million cash prize on a multibet with SportPesa, an online betting site last month. This was after she bet Sh100 on eight of her favourite football teams in the French League.

What to consider before taking the bold step to early retirement

Before taking early retirement, be prepared emotionally and financially. File 

By Isaiah Opiyo

In Summary

• Early retirement is not simple. Not only does it have financial implications, but it can also affect one emotionally or psychologically.

Ask a typical Kenyan worker what they would like to do when they retire and you are bound to get pleasant answers like “Resting and enjoy quality time devoid of work-related stress”

But alter the question slightly: “So, what will you be doing when you attain retirement age?” The responses will likely reveal that the majority of workers are not prepared financially to retire.

While many of us don’t have the option of delaying retirement, there are many that do but have postponed their retirement. The low confidence levels indicate unease among workers in securing a financially secure and comfortable retirement.

Insurer set for listing on NSE in second half of next year

Corporate News

UAP Group Managing Director Dominic Kiarie. Photo/FILE 

By Victor Juma

In Summary

• UAP’s listing is expected to renew interest at the Nairobi bourse that has registered increased de-listings brought by majority acquisitions of publicly traded firms.

UAP Holdings is set to list on the Nairobi Securities Exchange in the second half of next year through introduction. This means the company will not be raising funds at the market but will list its 211.4 million issued shares, allowing its current shareholders an easier exit route.

Imperial Bank owners to build Sh2 billion hotel

Corporate News

 

CBK governor Njuguna Ndung’u. He attributed the poor performance of Kenyan banks in Uganda to high competition from established local players. Photo/FILE 

By MUGAMBI MUTEGI

In Summary

• Tune Hotels joins a growing list of global hospitality brands that have set up shop in Kenya in the last two years looking to benefit from increased luxury and business travel.

The owners of Imperial Bank have partnered with a Malaysia-based hotel chain to construct a Sh2.2 billion budget hotel in Westlands by July next year.

Cold spell to push up milk prices as production drops

Corporate News

A farmer milks cows. Farm gate prices of milk are expected to go up. File 

By Gerald Andae

In Summary

• Processors across the board are registering reduced milk volumes from producers.

The farm gate price of milk will go up in the coming months as the chilly weather that is being experienced in production zones cuts supplies.

Processors across the board are registering reduced milk volumes from producers, in a move that is already putting pressure on consumers who are now paying Sh2 more a packet across all brands.

Elderly, poor gain in Nyeri’s war on poverty and hunger

Corporate News

Elderly people follow proceedings during the launch of the cash transfer to older persons ‘Inua Jamii’ programme by President Uhuru Kenyatta at Ihura stadium in Murang’a in February. Photo/Joseph Kany

 

By STEPHEN MUTHINI

In Summary

Among the proposals contained in the budget is the provision of medical care to the elderly, a widows’ empowerment kitty as well as addressing alcoholism and food security in the county.

Nyeri has proposed measures to cushion the poor and vulnerable members of the society from harsh economic times.

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Among the proposals contained in the 2014/2015 budget is the provision of medical care to the elderly, a widows’ empowerment kitty as well as addressing alcoholism and food security in the county.

UAP eyes Sh4.3bn real estate plan in Kigali for growth

Corporate News

UAP Group Managing Director Dominic Kiarie. Photo/FILE 

By VICTOR JUMA

In Summary

• The firm also expects to complete its Equatoria Tower in Juba, South Sudan, by August.
• Cash-rich insurers have lately expanded their real estate presence is search of high and stable returns.

Financial services group UAP Holdings is set to invest Sh4.3 billion in a real estate project in Kigali as it seeks to grow earnings from the booming regional property sector.

Online public services drive bid for lower phone prices

Corporate News

ICT Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i. Photo/FILE 

By OKUTTAH MARK

In Summary

• The government aims to deepen mobile penetration from 75.8 per cent to 90 per cent by 2018, enabling it deliver services online to cut down on paper.

Two Cabinet secretaries have started talks aimed at bringing the cost of smartphones down and spurring the uptake of public services that will increasingly be delivered online.

Citigroup sees KQ’s valuation at bourse rising

Money Markets

Kenya Airway’s share price has upward potential of 41 per cent, experts say. Photo/FILE 

By GEOFFREY IRUNGU

In Summary

• The valuation is based on a price to earnings ratio of 10, the historical one-year forward average for European flag carrier airlines which are comparable to Kenya Airways.

Kenya Airways’ valuation at the Nairobi Securities Exchange is expected to rise even if the airline does not return a profit this financial year.

Word Bank arm guarantees Gulf Energy Sh2.44bn loan

East Africa Community leaders Zanzibar President Amani Abedi Karume, President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, Paul Kagame of Rwanda (EAC chairman) and Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi after the official opening of 2nd EAC investment Forum in Nairobi in July, 2009. Photo/ANTHONY KAMAU 

By John Gachiri

In Summary

• The agency said the guarantee will make other banks more comfortable when lending to the energy sector, which requires huge funding for long periods

The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), an arm of the World Bank Group, has guaranteed Gulf Energy a Sh2.44 billion loan.

High bank mark-ups risk clouds bond cash respite for borrowers

Money Markets

Treasury secretary Henry Rotich with Solicitor-General Njee Muturi and Debt Management director Felistus Kavisi when they announced the outcome of Sh176 billion Eurobond issue at State House, Nairobi, last Wednesday. EVANS HABIL 

By CHARLES MWANIKI

In Summary

• Some analysts said the reduction of interest rates to single digit could be hindered by banks having a leeway to add a mark-up on the policy rate.

Expectations of a significant drop in interest rates following the successful flotation of the Sh176 billion Eurobond may be dashed by the premium commercial banks load on the reference price to be set by the Central Bank from next week.

KenGen gains amid flat energy counters

 

KenGen power generation plant at Ol Karia. The firm is now banking on steam and wind as cheaper, cleaner and more stable sources of power. Photo/FILE 

By CHARLES MWANIKI

In Summary

• KenGen has bet big on geothermal to increase its capacity over the next three years and the Eurobond pledge appears to have lifted investors.

KenGen’s share stood out among flat energy counters, gaining 12 per cent last week ahead of an expected increase in power sector investment by the government.

Insurers profit from aggressive regional growth

Money Markets

Jubilee Insurance Company offices on Wabera Street in Nairobi. Expansion drive by Kenyan insurers bears fruit. File 

By GEORGE NGIGI

In Summary

• Insurance penetration in Kenya is estimated at three per cent, which is higher than Rwanda at 2.4 per cent, Uganda at 0.66 per cent and Tanzania at 0.8 per cent.
• Some insurers have opted to buy mid-sized companies rather than start from scratch in the targeted markets.

Kenyan insurers with operations in East Africa are reaping big from subsidiaries, which are raking in pioneer benefits in fairly virgin markets.

Safaricom tops Treasury’s list of dividend, surplus payers

Money Markets

Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore. File 

By OKUTTAH MARK

In Summary

• Central Bank of Kenya, which has long been a top surplus earner for Treasury, failed to pay anything this year.
• In absolute terms, Safaricom’s Sh18.8 billion payout is the largest ever paid by a firm publicly traded in Kenya.

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has lost the title of the highest dividend-paying firm to the Treasury in a shift that has seen Safaricom come tops and Central Bank disappear from the rankings.

How brothers turned textile firm into multi-billion shilling bakery

Corporate News

From left: Keblest Limited directors Mayur Shah, Anju Shah and Jinit Shah at the company's factory in Thika. MARTIN MUKANGU 

By SIMON CIURI

In Summary

• The brothers – now in their 60s – say unity of purpose is the bond that has kept the business steady and helped it grow over the decades even as its management changed through generations.

When media reports early this year revealed that baking firm Kenblest Limited was negotiating a Sh1 billion loan with KCB to finance expansion of its Thika-based operation, keen followers of Kenya’s dynamic business scene took in the news with some degree of disbelief.

Mombasa Port signals good tidings for EA trade

Money Markets

A section of Mombasa port. Full implementation of the performance charter is expected to improve efficiency at the facility. file 

By Chris Kiptoo

In Summary

• The reality however is that while East Africa is the second fastest growing region in the world economically, it is the second most expensive region to do business.

President Uhuru Kenyatta is this morning expected to mark yet another milestone in the journey to making Mombasa a world class port with the launch of the performance charter meant to put all processes at East Africa’s gateway on a measurable scale.

Construction of Mombasa LNG plant to start in August

Politics and policy

Electricity generated at the at LNG plant will be sold to Kenya Power. Photo/FILE 

By KENNEDY SENELWA

Posted  Monday, June 30   2014 at  12:09

In Summary

• The groundbreaking ceremony for the 800MW plant will be held on August 27, once the government concludes the tender award process.
• The winner of the tender will build a floating storage and re-gasification unit to handle liquefied natural gas imported from Qatar on government-negotiated terms.
• The electricity generated will be sold to Kenya Power for distribution under long-term power purchase agreement signed by the two parties.

Construction of the natural gas-fired power generating plant at Dongo Kundu in Mombasa will commence in August.

Foreigners to get six-month East Africa tourism visa

Politics and policy

Foreigners in possession of a valid work or residence permit in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda will be given an East Africa Tourism visa valid for six months. Photo/FILE 

By XINHUA

In Summary

• The East Africa Tourism visa, which came into force early this year, resulted from a joint initiative and decision made by the heads of state of the respective countries.

Foreigners in possession of a valid work or residence permit in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda will be given an East Africa Tourism visa valid for six months.

Kidero demands revocation of new construction levy

Politics and policy

Nairobi governor Evans Kidero at a past function. Photo/FILE 

By  KIARIE NJOROGE, gkiarie@ke.nationmedia.com

In Summary

• In the National Construction Authority (NCA) regulations dated June 3, Mrs Ngilu imposed a 0.5 per cent levy on developments valued above Sh5 million.The levy is payable to the NCA before works commence.
• This is expected to push up the cost of owning homes for the middle class.

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has demanded revocation of the recently imposed 0.5 per cent levy on new construction projects on fears that it will cripple major housing projects

June inflation hits seven-month high

Politics and policy

A rise in inflation rate means households are forced to shoulder higher commodity prices. FILE 

By NEVILLE OTUKI, notuki@ke.nationmedia.com

In Summary

• Inflation stood at 7.39 per cent in June, up from 7.30 per cent the previous month — making it the fourth increase in a row.

The cost of living rose to a seven-month high in June, just a few points shy of breaching the government’s preferred set ceiling, lifted by rising housing rent, electricity, transport and cooking fuel prices.

Inflation stood at 7.39 per cent in June, up from 7.30 per cent the previous month — making it the fourth increase in a row.

A Homebuilding CEO Nailed It On What's Wrong With The Housing Market

By Joe Weisenthal 3 hours ago

View photo

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AP Photo/Mike Ehrmann

If you wanted to describe the housing market in 2014 in one word, it would be meh.

Prices are still on the rise, and activity is above crisis levels. But the pace of activity still seems sub-normal, which is being attributed to a combination of: lack of supply, the difficulty of getting a mortgage, and subdued activity among tradition first-time homebuyers.

The missing "first-time homebuyers" is a big source of discussion, as people theorize that the new generation just isn't interested in homeownership. Or maybe they are interested in homeownership, but due to student loan debt and lack of jobs, they just can't make it happen.

So what will get them into the housing market? Simple, strong job growth.

PPF na maonesho ya biashara 2014

 Banda la Mfuko wa Pensheni wa PPF, lililoko kwenye viwanja vya Maonyesho ya Biashara ya Kimataifa jijini Dar es Salaam. PPF inashiriki maonyesho ya 38 ya biashara ya mwaka huu 2014 na inawakaribisha wananchi wote kujonea na kupata taarifa ya huduma mbalimbali zitolewazo na Mfuko huo

 Afisa Michango wa Mfuko wa Pensheni wa PPF, Gloria Maboya, (Kulia), akiwapatia taarifa za michango, wanachama wa PPF, waliotembelea banda la Mfuko huo kwenye maonyeshjo ya 38 ya biashara ya kimagtaifa kwenye viwanja vya Mwalimu Nyerere jijini Dar es Salaam

 Afisa Michango wa Mfuko wa Pensheni wa PPF, Gloria Maboya, (Kushoto), akitoa elimu kuhusu Mfuko huo, kwa mwanachama huyu aliyetembelea banda la PPF lililoko viwanja vya Maonyesho ya biashara ya kimataifa ya Mwalimu Nyerere jijini Dar es Salaam

 Meneja Uhusiano na Masoko wa Mfuko wa Pensheni wa PPF, Lulu Mengele, (Kushoto), akimkabidhi Mwnanachama wa Mfuko wa Pensheni wa PPF, taarifa yake ya michango alipotembelea banda ya PPF, kwenye siku ya pili ya Maonyesho ya 38 ya biashara ya kimataifa kwenye viwanja vya Mwalimu Nyerere, barabara ya Kilwa jijini Dar es Salaam

Mratibu wa Kanda za Mfuko wa Pensheni wa PPF, Mbaruku Magawa (Kushoto), akimfafanulia Mwanachama wa Mfuko huo, kuhusiana na michango yake, alipotembelea banda la PPF, kwenye siku ya pili ya Maonyesho ya 38 ya biashara ya kimataifa kwenye viwanja vya Mwalimu Nyerere, barabara ya Kilwa jijini Dar es Salaam

PSPF, TPB Wazindua mpango wa kukopesha wanachama wastaafu

Mstaafu ambaye pia ni Mwanachama wa Mfuko wa Pensheni wa PSPF, Eunice Temu, akizungumza kwenye hafla ya uzinduzi wa huduma ya "Wastaafu Loan" itakayotolewa na Mfuko huo kwa wanachama wake wastaafu kupitia benki ya Posta Tanzania (TPB). Hafla hiyo iliyoongozwa na Katibu Mkuu Kiongozi (Mstaafu), Philemon Luhanjo, ilifanyika kwenye ukumbni wa nhoteli ya Belmonte iliyoko jengo la PSPF Jubilee Tower katikati ya jiji Ijumaa Juni 29, 2014. Huduma hiyo ni ya kwanza kutolewa na Mifuko ya Pensheni hapa nchinina una lengo la kutoa mikopo nafuu ili kuwawezesha wastaafu kukidhi mahitaji ya kifedha na kuboresha maisha yao, Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Mfuko huo, Adam Mayingu alizungumza katika hotuba yake

Baadhi ya maafisa wa benki ya posta Tanzania (TPB) na wenzao wa PSPF, wakifuatilia magtukio yaliyokuwa yakitokea kwenye uzinduzi huo

Katibu Mkuu Kiongozi (Mstaafu), Philemon Luhanjo (Kulia), akiongozwa na Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Mfuko wa Pensheni wa PSPF, Adam Mayingu (Kushoto) na Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Benki ya Posta Tanzania, mara baada ya kumalizika kwa hafla ya uzinduzi wa huduma ya "Wastaafu Loan" jijini Dar es Salaam Juni 20, 2014

Katibu Mkuu Kiongozi (Mstaafu), Philemon Luhanjo (Wapili kushoto-Waliokaa), Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa TPB, Sabasaba Moshingi (Wakwanza kushoto), Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa PSPF, Adam Mayingu (Watatu kushoto) na Mstaafu Eunice Temu, wakiwa katika picha ya pamoja na baadhi ya wastaafu wa kwanza kufaidika na mikopohiyo

Mgeni rasmi na viongozi wa PSPF na TPB akiwa katika pichas ya pamoja na wakurugenzi wa idara wa PSPF, na TPB.

Mgeni rasmi akiwa katika picha ya pamoja na baadhi ya wafanyakazi wa PSPF na TPB

Katibu Mkuu Kiongozi (Mstaafu), Philemon Luhanjo, akitoa hotuba ya uzinduzi wa mpango huo

Katibu Mkuu Kionmgozi (Mstaafu), Philemon Luhanjo (Wapili kushoto), Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Mfuko wa Pensheni wa PSPF, Adam Mayigu(Wapili kulia), Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Benki ya Posta Tanzania, (TPB), Sabasaba Moshingi), Wakwanza kulia) na Mstaafu Eunice Temu, wakiwa wamenyanyua juu mikono kuashiria uzinduzi wa mpango wa mfuko huo kuwakopesha wastaafu amabao ni wanachama wake kupitia benki ya Posta "Wastaafu Loan",. Hafla ya uzinduzi huo ulifantyika jijini Dar es Salaam

Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Mfuko wa Pensheni wa PSPF, Adam Mayingu, akitoa hotuba kuelezea huduma hiyo mpya ya "Wastaafu Loan"

Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Benki ya Posta Tanzania (TPB), Sabasaba Moshingi, akitoa hotuba yake.